On the Feast of Christ the King (22 November), we take the opportunity to explicitly recognise our young people – their gifts, talents and uniqueness. We thank the young people in our parish for their contribution to the life of our parish, as well as to wider church. Let’s all take some time this weekend to pray for our young people, here in the Catholic Parish of Bishop’s Stortford – in particular our current confirmation group, who will shortly (we hope!) be making their confirmations. Let us pray that they open themselves to a deeper relationship with Jesus and seek God in their daily lives.
The theme is ‘#Together’. In light of COVID-19, the theme recognises what it means to be ‘together’; with ourselves, with others and with God; and the significance of being together.
Pope Francis expresses this beautifully.
“To come out of this crisis better than before, we have to do so together; together, not alone. Together. Alone no, because it cannot be done. Either it is done together, or it is not done. We must do it together, all of us, in solidarity” Pope Francis, September 2020.
Let us therefore, as a parish community, seek to encourage our young people in their search for God – let us be open to answering their questions, as we spend time together with them, and helping them to actively engage in local service in our community, especially during lockdown – be it checking on a neighbour or shopping for a family in need. If you are a Godparent, maybe you can make an effort this weekend to reconnect with your Godchild and send them a note to see how they are or to thank them for who they are and let them know you will be praying for them.
Children’s Liturgy
There is a special Children’s Liturgy, prepared for this coming Sunday, 22nd November, based on this Sunday’s Gospel Reading. You can use these special resources to help run a session during Children’s Liturgy on National Youth Sunday at home or with your Parish community.
Family video resource
And there is a lovely family video resource, called “Family 5 minutes”, for you to take part in as a whole family, from the comfort of your own home – with prayer and activities.
Novena to Blessed Carlos Arcutis
There is a beautiful novena (9 days of prayer) to Blessed Carlo Arcutis, who died at aged 15, but is recognised for the holiness with which he lived his life. Maybe you could pray this and dedicate it to a specific young person you know?
You could share the life of Blessed Carlo Arcutis by sharing this short video with your own children or young people you know.
More information on the theme and downloadable resources for National Youth Sunday are online at www.nationalyouthsunday.com, including Children’s Liturgy and Family Resources.